Gain From Pain: Easton Resident Vies for Top Prize with Headache Hat

Easton resident Sheri Pulie invented the now-patented Headache Hat to deal with her own migraines. Now she is one of 5 inventors vying for the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval and the HSN Customer Choice Award.Video Credit: Sherri PuliePosition The Headache Hat where you'll feel the most relief.Photo Credit: Contributed

Easton resident Sheri Pulie invented the now-patented Headache Hat to deal with her own migraines. Now she is one of 5 inventors vying for the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval and the HSN Customer Choice Award.Video Credit: Sherri PulieGuaranteed not to drip! The Headache Hat proved a godsend to migraine sufferer Sherri Pulie.Photo Credit: Contributed

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EASTON, Conn. – Migraines with their intense pain, visual auras, and nausea may not seem like proper intellectual stimuli for the next great invention, but it was while coming out of one that the idea of the Headache Hat hit Sherri Pulie.

The Easton resident has suffered from migraines her entire life. Not always needing or wanting to take medication, Pulie had relied on her mother’s migraine remedy: a re-sealable plastic bag of ice cubes on her head while lying in a dark room.

“I would move the ice cubes around in the bag and put them on my pain points and feel instant numbing and pressure that helped with the pain," said Pulie,

“For years I tried to find a bag I could use where the ice wouldn’t melt on me yet I could still have cubes I could move around for pressure.”

So when her migraine that day four years ago began to fade, there was only one thing on her mind: how to create the Headache Hat.

Without any background in sewing and using her Spandex Pilates pants as the material, Pulie developed the first sample.

“I ended up using it myself,” said Pulie, “and it was awesome!”

After sharing it with co-workers at her sales and account management day job, Pulie made more and began selling her Headache Hat at local health fairs and online on Amazon.

The Hat is completely adjustable so the wearer can decide how much pressure they want from the ice cubes (2x2-inch plastic-coated cubes filled with purified water) and where they should go. The hat never has to be refilled, and Pulie says users find it often lasts for up to two hours, thanks to the ability to flip it over to the other side.

“Not everything works for everyone,” said Pulie, “but the more you have in your migraine toolkit the better.”

And the $39.99 Headache Hat is not just for heads. It works in a pinch for necks, knees, and backs. Over time Pulie advised users will want to hand wash the hat, but otherwise it comes in its own storage bag and stays ready-to-go in your freezer.

While marketers have come knocking at her door offering to bring her product to national attention, Pulie felt her best option was to go through the
Home Shopping Network
(HSN) and entered their second annual search for the next great product that is done in conjunction with
Good Housekeeping
magazine.

She is now one of five finalists competing for both the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, judged by the magazine and HSN staff, as well as the HSN Customer Choice Award.